I have never seen a steel tub that has a different drain location than the cast iron one would. If you are using push/pull drains, then the trap can be set to the side and the drain and overflow piped to it. A steel tub is my least recommended one.

: We are building a new house, and our plumber informs us that he cannot install a cast iron tub in a certain 2nd floor bath due to the location of the floor joists. He says that the tub drain sits on top of the joist, and that he cannot cut it to accomodate it. He recommends a steel tub, stating that a steel tub has a different drain location. Is this true? Any other suggestions? I would much prefer a cast iron tub.